Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Grimaldi

Past International President Prof. Dr. Guiseppe Grimaldi

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Grimaldi, of Enna, Italy, served as president of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association's 77th International Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 12-15, 1994.

Past President Grimaldi is a neuro-psychiatrist, an Emeritus Head Neurologist and a former university professor of neurology. He is also the author of several scientific, social and Lion publications.

A charter life member of the Enna Lions Club, with a record of 42 years of perfect attendance, Past President Grimaldi has served as club president, zone chairperson, deputy district governor, district governor and president of the Europa Forum. He served a two-year term as a member of the association's board of directors from 1972-74 and was a board appointee from 1986-87, 1996-97 and 2003-04. Past President Grimaldi is a founding member of the Association of Italian Lions for Diabetes and honorary president of the Lions Eye Bank of Italy.

In recognition of his many contributions to the association, Past President Grimaldi has received a 40-Year Charter Chevron, the 100% District Governor Award, three Extension Awards, the Leadership Award, 30 International President's Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor given by the association to its members. He is also an honorary president of his district Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past President Grimaldi is a past director of the Italian Medical-Surgical Order and a past member of the Medical Court of Justice. He is a former honorary president of the High Court of Justice for the preservation of the "Mediterraneo" and a member of the Italian Red Cross and many national and international academies. For his humanitarian and civic commitment, he has received awards from UNICEF, UNESCO and the International Red Cross. He was awarded with the decoration of Grand Ufficiale and Cavaliere di Gran Croce, the highest recognition granted by the Republic of Italy, and with several decorations granted by the Republic of San Marino, Venezuela, Domincan Republic and Ghana. He was recognized as The Man of the Year by receiving the Premio Garipoli. He has also won various awards for his poetry. Past President Grimaldi is an honorary citizen of several cities in the United States, Latin America, Australia and Africa and is an appreciated speaker worldwide. He is the recipient of two Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Science awarded by the University of Prague and the Optometry College of Philadelphia.

Professor Grimaldi, the first Italian to serve as international president, and his wife, Ariane, have four sons and seven grandchildren.